Song of the Week (07.22.09)

By: Johnny Coggin

It seems like we've been facing death a lot lately at Grace Evan. It should come as no surprise; after all, everyone dies. But even though we're all very aware of the shockingly high mortality rate (100%), death always feels unnatural... and for good reason: It's not the way it's supposed to be, according to God's original, perfect creation.

But sin entered, and death is now a reality - a horrible reality that points us to the stunning holiness of our God and the utter seriousness of our sin against him.

This week's Song of the Week, however, reminds us of some very good news in the face of death: That, for the Christian, death is not the bitter end, but a sweet new beginning. Jesus has conquered the grave!

The song is called It Is Not Death To Die, and it's the last track from Sovereign Grace Music's album Come Weary Saints (click for the album's page, and to hear an extended sample. the song is also available from iTunes and Amazon). Here's the key line of the song's chorus: "Those who trust in You / will in Your mercy find / that it is not death to die."

May you find comfort, in life and in the face of death, as you meditate on the good news of Christ's redemption of sinners and his power over grave.

It Is Not Death to Die
Original Words by Henri Malan (1787-1864).
Translated by George Bethune (1847)
Music, Chorus, and Alternate Words by Bob Kauflin


It is not death to die
To leave this weary road
And join the saints who dwell on high
Who’ve found their home with God
It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears
And wake in joy before Your throne
Delivered from our fears

O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die

It is not death to fling
Aside this earthly dust
And rise with strong and noble wing
To live among the just
It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore

O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die

Renewing Our Spiritual Strength

By: Jeff Sample

The dog days are ahead – that time in the Major League Baseball season when the summer heat is sapping strength and depleting a player’s ability to recover. Ever felt that way spiritually? When your spiritual life wilts, your soul feels barren, there are no spiritual reserves, and the tank is empty? I have! You might be in your spiritual dog days at the moment.

What can we do to recover lost vigor? I'll share a couple of practices that will revive and refresh our souls if we apply them with God’s help.

*Ask God daily to turn your heart toward him in renewed hunger and zeal (Psalm 119:36, 18; 90:14; 86:11). Make it your evening prayer for the next day – whisper to God throughout the day: Father, renew my heart by drawing me to you… make me long for you. Ask him now. God delights to answer our IOUS – incline, open, unite, and satisfy my heart with your truth and presence. Sometimes we have to strive with our own hearts in prayer – it is the fight of and for vital faith and heart-felt joy.

*Read and think carefully and consistently through God’s word – soak yourself in his truth a paragraph or chapter at a time. Here are some applicatory questions by which to help us think through God’s word in his presence (I am indebted to J. I. Packer for these suggestions in his excellent book, Rediscovering Holiness):

• What does this passage tell me about God – his holiness, grace, power, rule, etc.?
• What does this passage tell me about myself – my conduct, character, attitudes, temperamental struggles, and fight with my flesh, a fallen culture, and the devil?
• What does this passage tell me about my life today – tasks, opportunities, temptations, challenges?
• How does God bring his grace to bear on my life in this or these texts – God is the hero of every passage in some way... not me, nor any other fallen son of Adam. So where does God show his grace and do what we are incapable of doing?

This daily process becomes reviving grace to our souls, even as it prompts substantive heart humbling prayer, specific intelligent repentance, searching confession, renewed submission, God-glorifying worship, and renewed joy in knowing and serving our Savior.

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? (Psalm 85:6)

Song of the Week (07.15.09)

By: Johnny Coggin

This is Round 2 of The Outliers, folks... only this time, we've got a FREE download (with permission from the band).

The Song of the Week is The Outliers' version of Come Ye Sinners (click link to play, or right-click and "save" to download). It's an upbeat, bluesy rock tune with a wide-open invitation for all sinners everywhere to "come to Jesus Christ and buy (without money)." Personally, I love the organ sounds, the tight vocal harmonies, and the rippin' guitar work throughout. But hey, that's me.

The Outliers will be serving us in our worship services at Grace Evan this Sunday (July 19), singing the Call to Worship and an Offertory before the sermon.

I mentioned this previously, but I'll say it again: Note that all proceeds received from this CD will go to three missions: Lagniappe Presbyterian Church (pastored by Jean Larroux in Bay St. Louis, MS), Christ Presbyterian Church (a recent church plant in Oakland, TN), and Palmer Home for Children (Columbus, MS).

Plus, they're only $10. Pick up a copy at the Grace Media kiosk this Sunday, or get it online. You'll be glad you did.

Come Ye Sinners
music by Luke Smith
words by Joseph Hart, 1759

Come, ye sinners, poor and wretched,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus, ready, stands to save you,
Full of pity, joined with power.
He is able, He is able;
He is willing; doubt no more.

Come ye needy, come, and welcome,
God's free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh.
Without money, without money
Come to Jesus Christ and buy.

Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Bruised and broken by the fall;
If you tarry 'til you're better,
You will never come at all.
Not the righteous, not the righteous;
Sinners Jesus came to call.

Lo! The Incarnate God, ascended;
Pleads the merit of His blood.
Venture on Him; venture wholly,
Let no other trust intrude.
None but Jesus, none but Jesus
Can do helpless sinners good.

Lessons from a Tragedy

By: Jeff Sample

I have followed former Tennessee Titan quarterback Steve McNair’s murder since the July 4th weekend - partly because I am a sports fan, partly because of the undetermined scenario, and partly because of the nature of the horrific loss for the families. It’s the latter that brings several lessons to the fore. Here’s a partial list…

Sin is a potent, deceiving, life-wrecking power from which no one is immune. The true nature of sin’s unsighted carnage unravels inexorably through a life, a home, a community, a nation. We see in retrospect, if not too late, the depth of sin’s allure. When Steve began his adulterous relationship with the 20-year-old waitress, Sahel “Jenny” Kasemi, he never envisioned it would tarnish his reputation, take his life, leave his wife a devastated widow, leave his four sons fatherless, and leave his mother without a greatly loved son. Father, give us eyes to see clearly through your word sin’s end!

Sin distorts our most important responsibilities to a greater or lesser degree. Steve McNair was known for his leadership on the football field and on a team. Lasting, important leadership begins at home; that is God’s first vocational call – lead your wife and children with strength sustained by the Spirit and humbled by self-knowledge of fallibility and on-going need of a Savior. Steve abandoned his leadership at home to date, dine, and vacation with a woman not his wife in Las Vegas, Key West, and California. He was murdered in a leased condo not more than 6 miles from his home at 1:30 AM. Steve, if only you had remained home with your wife and sons…

Sin promises more than it can deliver. Like a baited hook dropped in a stream, sin hides reality with a false promise. Steve was admired for his toughness. One opponent called him an on-field Superman. But he could not resist sin’s fraudulent promise of satisfaction. Like the simple man in Proverbs 7, he did not know her steps would lead him to death. God’s blessings enrich without ruin or sorrow; he gives satisfaction with joy.

Steve McNair’s murder tragically has become a warning to take, lest I think I am above sin’s deceit, distortion, and destruction.

Ask the Pastor: How can Christians reconcile Creationism with the (purported) evidence for evolution?

By: Johnny Coggin

Dr. Jimmy Young gives insight into the difficult issue of reconciling the Creationism taught in Scripture with the (purported) evidence for evolution.

On Michael Jackson & Fatherhood

By: Russell Jeffares

Many people in the media and otherwise are acclaiming the greatness of Michael Jackson. Indeed he was a very talented artist. But I do not think we should be celebrating his life. I believe it was a modern tragedy. On June 27, 2009, Geraldo Rivera interviewed Jackson's father, Joe Jackson. In his words we catch a glimpse into the life of Michael Jackson.

“We are going to miss the great superstar… the biggest, known in all the world. And it seems to me he is going to be more larger than he was when he was alive.”

When I heard these words, I was struck by what was not said. Notice that there is no mention of missing Michael, his son. He says, “We are going to miss the great superstar …” I believe this is very telling of the relationship Michael had with his father. So when we remember Michael’s life of fame, riches, exorbitant waste, alleged improprieties, confused racial and gender identities, excessive drug use, and untimely death, we should not be surprised at all. Michael Jackson had been made into a product, a “superstar,” by his own father.

One thing I think I learn from this as a father: My role of a father has huge implications in the lives of my sons. My sons need to know that I am here no matter what, and that I love them unconditionally. I must always be vigilant against the temptation to minimize that relationship. Even worse is the temptation to find your own self-worth, reputation, or reciprocated love from your children. This is, in fact, turning them into a product through which I gain—though packaged in a much subtler form.

Our children are an immeasurable gift from God, and parenting them is quite a high calling. May we model our Father’s love to them, rather than using them for personal gain.

The Payback of Sin

By: Dr. Jimmy Young

Anne Lamott, considered by many to be a fresh voice of grace, said “We are not punished for the sin, but by the sin…”

Sooner or later, life has a way of paying us back for what we’ve done. Sin is such a poor choice…at so many levels. Who among us doesn’t know stories - some our own - that illustrate what Anne said.

Obedience earns nothing in terms of our eternal standing. But it does make life work better. Obedience is simply the acknowledgment of faith that God has the right and the wisdom to accurately describe what the desired path for life looks like.

I want to be on that path.

Song of the Week (07.08.09)

By: Johnny Coggin

This week's featured song comes from yet another hymns project that is well worth your time: The Outliers - "Amid the Flood." The Outliers are comprised of Memphis area songwriters, Myla Smith and Luke Smith (brother and sister), and their band, including Matt Wood, Chris Vickers, and Michael Coggin (yes, that'd be my brother; affectionately known as "mCog").

Myla and Luke have written some excellent new folk/pop/rock tunes for these cherished hymn texts, and many times I've found myself singing their melodies randomly throughout the day. I think you'll absolutely love their music, and will be compelled to worship God by their rich, lyrical truth.

It should be noted that all proceeds received from this CD will go to three missions: Lagniappe Presbyterian Church (pastored by Jean Larroux in Bay St. Louis, MS), Christ Presbyterian Church (a recent church plant in Oakland, TN), and Palmer Home for Children (Columbus, MS).

If you're part of Grace Evan, or are local to the Memphis area (Germantown), two of the Outliers will be playing songs from the album tonight (July 8) at our outdoor Family Picnic, starting at 5:45pm. They'll also be playing 2 songs in our worship services on Sunday, July 19. CDs will be available for $10.

Almost forgot - here's the featured song of the week: the classic Martin Luther hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (plays a clip from their MySpace music page). Listen to the other song clips while you're there, and consider buying this album, either online or at Grace Evan tonight or July 19. You'll be glad you did.

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
music by Luke Smith/Myla Smith
words by Martin Luther, 1529

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

John Piper on Being Part of an "Online Church"

By: Johnny Coggin

In recent years, technology has opened many doors for the mission of the Church to be furthered. At the same time, it has raised issues that we've never faced before. For example, "online church." Is an online community of Christians a church? Why or why not? And what is the nature of the local church anyway?

In this video, pastor John Piper offers some helpful thoughts about "online church" and God's design for us.

Song of the Week (07.01.09)

By: Johnny Coggin

Over the last 2 months, I've used the "Song of the Week" post to point you to several church ministries that are reviving old hymn texts by writing new tunes for the Church today. And today, I'll add one to the list - our very own music ministry at Grace Evan.

Many of the songs we sing together in worship at Grace Evan, as well as songs performed by our bands and soloists during the offering time, are written by our worship minister, Jim Umlauf. Whether writing new tunes for old hymn texts, or penning new songs from scratch, Jim consistently finds a way to combine enjoyable, singable (and often flat-out cool) music with Scripture-based, gospel-rich, Christ-exalting lyrics.

I'll be featuring a number of Jim's songs in the future, but since this is the "song" of the week (and not "songs"), I'll limit to just one for today.

The Song of the Week is "Come Ye Sinners" (click to listen, right-click to download), a hymn text written in 1759 by Joseph Hart, and set to new music in recent years by Jim Umlauf. Few songs proclaim the finished work of Jesus and plead for sinners to embrace him like this hymn does. And Jim's tune carries the good news and its passionate invitation beautifully.

Check it out, download the mp3 for free, and marvel that Jesus came to save sinners like you and me.

Come Ye Sinners
words by Joseph Hart
music written and performed by Jim Umlauf

Come, ye sinners, poor and wretched
Weak and wounded, sick and sore
Jesus ready stands to save you
Full of pity joined with power
He is able, He is able
He is willing, doubt no more

Come, ye needy, come and welcome
God’s free bounty glorify
True belief and true repentance
Every grace that brings you nigh
Without money, without money
Come to Jesus Christ and buy

Come, ye weary, heavy laden
Bruised and broken by the fall
If you tarry till you're better
You will never come at all
'Twas not the righteous, not the righteous
But sinners Jesus came to call

Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness he requireth
Is to feel your need of him;
This he gives you, this he gives you;
It is the Spirit’s rising beam

Lo! The incarnate God ascended
Pleads the merit of His blood
Venture on Him, venture wholly
Let no other trust intrude
None but Jesus, none but Jesus
Can do helpless sinners good

Come, ye sinners, poor and wretched
Weak and wounded, sick and sore

(if you're reading this from an email subscription, you may need to click the title link to the actual Blog page in order to download the mp3. just a heads-up.)